What It Is
Chloasma is excess melanin causing dark facial patches, often linked to hormones or sun exposure.
Emerging evidence
Chloasma
Understanding the skin changes that come with hormonal shifts
CategorySkin
SafetyLow risk
Reviewed by Ciara Magee · Functional Health
26 March 2026
At a glance
Chloasma at a glance
How It Presents
Symmetrical brownish patches appear on cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and chin gradually over time.
What May Help
Sun protection, skin-supportive nutrition, and some herbal or naturopathic approaches are commonly explored.
Evidence Context
Evidence is moderate; some naturals show promise, though results vary and research is still developing.
See the evidence snapshotWhen to Seek Help
See a dermatologist if patches spread rapidly, change in texture, or significantly affect your wellbeing.
Explanation
Core Causes of Chloasma
Chloasma (melasma) describes dark patches on the skin caused by excess melanin, commonly triggered by hormonal changes or sun exposure in pregnancy. Sun protection, topical naturals, nutritional support for skin health, and hormonal balance are holistic management approaches.
Could this be you
People commonly experience
Chloasma shows up differently for everyone. Browse by how it tends to be felt — these are common experiences, not a checklist or a diagnosis.
In the body4 common experiences
- It develops gradually with sun and hormonal exposure, and is particularly common during pregnancy or when using hormonal contraception
- The patches do not cause physical discomfort, but the psychological impact — particularly when prominent or on visible areas of the face — can be significant
- Chloasma (melasma in pregnancy) presents as symmetrical, brownish patches of darker pigmentation, most typically on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and chin
- Melasma has a strong tendency to recur, which can make managing expectations a challenge
In how you feel1 common experience
- Many people describe feeling self-conscious, investing considerable time and money in concealment or treatment, and being frustrated by slow or inconsistent improvement
Common experiences people describe — not a diagnostic checklist.
Why it happens
Possible causes & risk factors
Chloasma usually comes from a mix of factors rather than a single cause. These are common contributors — not certainties.
Biology & temperament
Hormonal shifts and genetic skin type may increase melanin overproduction, raising chloasma risk.
Stress & life events
Chronic stress may influence hormone levels, potentially worsening uneven pigmentation over time.
Health & substances
Hormonal contraception, pregnancy, and UV exposure are commonly linked to chloasma development.
Sleep & lifestyle
Poor sleep may affect skin cell repair, possibly making pigmentation changes more pronounced.
What happens in the body
How this may affect the body
Chloasma can involve several of the body’s systems. These are common patterns researchers describe — how they show up varies from person to person.
Skin & Melanocyte Activity
physiologicalMelanocytes may overproduce melanin in response to hormonal signals or UV exposure, causing pigment to accumulate unevenly in the skin's upper layers.
Endocrine System
hormonalElevated estrogen and progesterone levels, such as those during pregnancy or hormonal contraceptive use, may stimulate melanocyte-stimulating hormone activity and trigger excess pigmentation.
Immune & Inflammatory Pathways
immunologicalLow-grade skin inflammation may disrupt normal melanocyte regulation, potentially contributing to irregular pigment distribution in affected areas.
Nervous System & Psychosocial
psychosocialThe visible nature of facial pigmentation changes may contribute to psychological stress, which some research suggests could further influence hormonal and inflammatory pathways involved in skin pigmentation.
Process
Diagnosis & Assessment
- Medical and hormonal historyA practitioner will ask about pregnancy, contraceptive use, thyroid conditions, and family history of pigmentation, as hormonal and genetic factors are commonly linked to chloasma.
- Visual skin examinationThe affected areas are assessed for pattern, symmetry, color depth, and distribution across the face, helping to distinguish chloasma from other pigmentation conditions.
- Wood's lamp or dermoscopySpecialized light or magnification tools may be used to assess how deeply melanin is deposited in the skin, which can help guide decisions about appropriate care options.
- Trigger and lifestyle reviewSun exposure habits, skincare product use, stress levels, and diet may be explored, as these factors can influence the appearance and persistence of pigmentation changes.
Management
Treatment & Management
Topical Lightening Agents
A dermatologist may discuss prescription or over-the-counter topical ingredients such as hydroquinone, azelaic acid, or kojic acid, which some people find may support a more even skin tone over time.
Sun Protection Strategies
Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen used daily is widely considered a cornerstone approach, as UV exposure is a key contributor to pigmentation deepening in chloasma.
Chemical Peels and Procedures
Some practitioners suggest professional treatments such as superficial chemical peels or laser therapy as options to discuss with a dermatologist, particularly for persistent or deeper pigmentation.
Herbal and Botanical Topicals
Ingredients such as licorice root extract, vitamin C, and niacinamide are traditionally used in holistic skincare and some people find they may support a reduction in the appearance of dark spots over consistent use.
Naturopathic and Hormonal Support
Naturopathic practitioners may explore dietary, gut health, and adaptogen-based approaches that some people find may support hormonal balance, which is closely linked to chloasma development.
Self-Care
Lifestyle & Self-Care
Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily
Sun exposure is a key trigger for chloasma. Applying a mineral-based sunscreen every morning, even on cloudy days, may help support more even skin tone over time.
Adopt a gentle, fragrance-free skincare routine
Harsh products and exfoliants may worsen pigmentation. Some people find that simple, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers help reduce skin irritation that can contribute to uneven tone.
Include anti-inflammatory foods regularly
A diet rich in colorful vegetables, berries, and omega-3 sources may support overall skin health. Some practitioners suggest reducing processed foods and sugar to help manage inflammation linked to pigmentation.
Practice daily stress-reduction habits
Hormonal changes triggered by chronic stress may influence melanin production. Some people find that yoga, breathwork, or short daily walks help support hormonal balance and overall wellbeing.
Prioritize consistent, quality sleep
Adequate sleep may support skin repair and help regulate the hormonal fluctuations that some practitioners associate with chloasma flare-ups. Aiming for a regular sleep schedule may be beneficial.
The Evidence
Evidence context for chloasma
What research and clinical practice currently suggest about managing skin pigmentation changes linked to hormones and sun exposure.
Overall pictureModerate evidence
Sun protection is well-supported; complementary approaches are emerging
Conventional dermatology offers the strongest evidence base for managing chloasma. Complementary and lifestyle strategies show emerging support for symptom management, particularly when used alongside professional skin care.
What the evidence currently showsSun protection has the strongest evidence; complementary approaches have more limited but growing support.
Broad-spectrum sun protection is consistently supported across dermatological research as the most effective strategy for limiting pigmentation worsening. Topical agents such as vitamin C and niacinamide have moderate evidence for supporting skin tone. Nutritional and herbal approaches have emerging but limited evidence and are best considered as supportive rather than primary strategies.
How chloasma is typically managedDermatologists use a combination of topical agents, sun protection, and in some cases procedural options.
Standard dermatological care focuses on reducing melanin overproduction and preventing UV-triggered flares. Hormonal factors are often reviewed, particularly where contraceptive use or pregnancy is involved. Because chloasma tends to recur, ongoing sun protection is considered essential regardless of which other strategies are used.
Complementary approaches and skin healthNutritional therapy, herbal medicine, and acupuncture are used alongside conventional care for skin pigmentation.
Some practitioners use nutritional support — including antioxidants and anti-inflammatory dietary strategies — to support skin barrier function and hormonal balance. Herbal preparations with depigmenting properties are used in several traditional systems, though clinical evidence remains limited. These approaches are best explored with a qualified practitioner and are not a substitute for professional skin assessment.
Hormonal and lifestyle factorsHolistic approaches consider hormonal balance, stress, and nutrition as interconnected influences on skin pigmentation.
Hormonal fluctuations, chronic stress, and nutritional status may each influence melanocyte activity. Holistic practitioners often address these factors together, supporting overall endocrine and skin health rather than focusing solely on the pigmentation itself. Evidence for this integrated approach is limited but consistent with broader research on skin-hormone interactions.
When to seek professional assessmentMost pigmentation changes are benign, but some skin changes require prompt professional evaluation.
Seek medical assessment if you notice a rapidly spreading skin change, fever alongside skin symptoms, a mole that changes shape or colour quickly, or a persistent open skin lesion. Chloasma itself is not dangerous, but these signs may indicate conditions requiring timely professional attention. Do not stop any prescribed skin medication without guidance from your prescribing clinician.
Limitations of current evidenceResearch on complementary approaches for chloasma is growing but remains limited in scale and quality.
Many studies on nutritional, herbal, and mind-body approaches for skin pigmentation are small, short-term, or lack standardised methods. This makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions about effectiveness. Gyfts presents this information for educational purposes only and does not make inflated outcome claims. A qualified dermatologist or integrative practitioner can help you evaluate options suited to your situation.
Safety first
Safety & red flags
Chloasma is manageable, and support helps. Some situations call for prompt professional help.
Worth speaking to a professional
- severe infections require medical treatment
- persistent ulcers or lesions require evaluation
- do not stop prescribed dermatological medications abruptly
Seek urgent help if…
- rapidly spreading skin infection
- fever with skin changes
- sudden mole transformation
- severe unexplained swelling
- persistent open skin ulcer
Explore approaches
Related modalities
Practices people explore for chloasma — alongside professional care.
FAQ
Common questions
Why do hormonal changes trigger chloasma?
Estrogen and progesterone may stimulate melanocytes, the cells that produce skin pigment. This is why chloasma is especially common during pregnancy or when using hormonal contraception. Sun exposure can intensify this response.
Will chloasma go away on its own after pregnancy?
For some people, patches fade gradually after hormonal levels normalize postpartum. However, melasma has a strong tendency to recur, especially with sun exposure, so ongoing sun protection is generally recommended.
What holistic approaches do some people explore for chloasma?
Some practitioners suggest topical botanicals like licorice root or vitamin C to support a more even skin tone. Nutritional support for skin health and sun avoidance are also commonly explored within naturopathic care.
When should I see a doctor about skin pigmentation changes?
Consult a dermatologist if patches worsen, spread beyond the face, change in texture, or cause significant distress. Any sudden changes in existing moles or new unusual lesions should always be professionally evaluated.
Is there solid evidence that natural approaches help chloasma?
Evidence is moderate and still growing. Some studies suggest certain botanicals and antioxidants may support skin tone, but results are inconsistent. Combining any natural approach with reliable sun protection tends to be the most widely supported strategy.
Keep exploring
Find Chloasma practitioners you can trust
Browse practitioners, explore honest overviews, and take what you learn to a conversation — at your own pace.